MovieChat Forums > The PianoTuner of EarthQuakes (2004) Discussion > Worth Watching?

Worth Watching?

posted 16 years ago by littlekaren
6 replies | jump to latest

I've never heard of this film until today and the rating, here, is low. Is it worth watching? I've seen lots and lots of films, both domestic and foreign, surreal, horror, etc., etc. but need some guidance on this one.

[–] Carnelian-Zebra-Lily 16 years ago

This is a very unusual, dark and beautiful film. It is about a piano tuner named Felisberto, who - upon being summoned to Dr.Droz's secluded villa to assist his musical automata - begins to decipher a sinister mystery concerning the deathly dissapearance of the opera singer named Malvina Van Stille. Felisberto learns over time that Malvina is infact still alive and being kept as a caged nightingale by Dr.Droz. Droz's distorted obsession with Malvina is inclining towards what is described as a mechanical, 'diabolical opera', from which neither the heroic Felisberto nor the helpless Malvina can escape.
This film is a work of art by The Quay Brothers, who - to my knowledge- studied theatre and set design long before making motion pictures. Their knowledge and gift of creating ambience is crystal clear in this film. It is indeed one of the most haunting and strange films I have seen to date. Be aware that it is not like any mainstream film, and thats a good thing. If you enjoy melancholic art-films with evocative music and optical grandeur, as well as an intriguing storyline and a talented, 'world-cinema' cast then I think you'll enjoy this film. Its not to everyones taste, because sadly enough not alot of people respect artisan, unusual, sensitive films like this one.

[–] vanityfair_713 16 years ago

I'm not at all sure why the rating is so low (6 ratings usually indicate a film being barely watchable)...but this movie was remarkable.

He said it's all in your head, and I said, so's everything--
But he didnt get it.

[–] androphile 16 years ago

Why is this film's rating here so low? Simple. There are, unfortunately, some anti-intellectuals who frequent IMDb who resent what they can't comprehend and therefore give it extremely low ratings. You'll see the same thing if you visit--among others--the Brokeback Mountain page (although in that case there are other motivations at work as well, obviously!) These people, who classify movies as entertainment only, hate being made to think when watching a film--or any other time, for that matter. They abhor symbolism and the use of cinema as an artistic medium. The notion that they might need to see a film more than once to fully comprehend and appreciate it is utterly alien to them.

I just watched The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes for the first time and found it bewitching, though frequently feeling that I was on the verge of figuring it all out just before it took yet another unexpected twist and left me behind. I certainly plan to watch it again a few more times to gain a fuller understanding of its symbolism and also perhaps observe aspects of the Quay brothers' unique filmcraft I may have missed the first time.

Therefore, in my opinion, not only is this fascinating film worth watching, it's worth watching many times to deepen one's comprehension and appreciation. There are not too many films I would say that about, and certainly very few from the last 25 years or so.

"Tell you what . . . the truth is . . . sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it." --Jack Twist

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Dashkatt 15 years ago

So, Androphile, if someone doesn't like or care for this or any film, they're obviously unable to comprehend, to appreciate?

Spoken like a true elitist.

Has it every occurred to you that it could simply be that their tastes were different than yours? From reading your opinion that is a concept you are totally unfamiliar with. You should learn from it.

As for your opinionated take on "Brokeback Mountain", I found it revealing to your character and possibly your lifestyle. That's fine and certainly your choice. But to denigrate others based on your worldly views, (or lack thereof), is boring.

[–] 15 years ago

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